Qatar Arabian World Cup 2025 - A high-stakes 2025 edition on the horizon
QATAR ARABIAN WORLD CUP 2025
A high-stakes 2025 edition on the horizon
The Qatar Arabian World Cup, the Arc for Arabian Purebreds
The Qatar Arabian World Cup stands as the pinnacle event of the year for Arabian purebred horses, who benefit from a dedicated racing programme. The 2025 edition of this prestigious challenge will take place on Sunday, October 5, at ParisLongchamp, as part of the race day headlined by the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. With a purse of €1 million, it is the richest Arabian horse race in Europe, earning it the reputation of being the “Arc” for Arabian purebreds.
This race also forms the second leg of the Triple Crown for this horse breed, a prestigious trio of events consisting of the Qatar International Stakes, run over 1,600 metres in late July at Goodwood (UK); the Qatar Arabian World Cup, over 2,000 metres at ParisLongchamp; and H.H. The Amir Sword, held in February over 2,400 metres in Doha (Qatar).
Al Ghadeer Pursues an Unprecedented Treble in the Qatar Arabian World Cup
All eyes will be on the champion Al Ghadeer during the 2025 edition of the Qatar Arabian World Cup, as he aims to secure a historic third consecutive victory in this prestigious race, following wins in 2023 and 2024.
Trained in Pau by François Rohaut for Al Shaqab Racing—the racing entity of Sheikh Joaan Al Thani—Al Ghadeer will once again be partnered with top jockey Christophe Soumillon, with whom he has achieved numerous major victories.
This exceptional Arabian purebred has already compiled an impressive record, including winning the Triple Crown—composed of three elite Gr1 races—twice in a row (2023/2024 and 2024/2025). Before him, only the Qatari champion Ebraz had managed such a feat.
However, on Sunday, October 5 at ParisLongchamp, Al Ghadeer will face a formidable rival: HM Alchahine, who has only one defeat in ten outings—a loss that came earlier this year in Doha, at the hands of Al Ghadeer himself.
HM Alchahine made a strong impression recently by clinching a brilliant victory in the Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon, a key preparatory race for the Qatar Arabian World Cup. Trained in La Teste by Élisabeth Bernard for Emirati owner Helal Alalawi, he will be ridden by Italian jockey Cristian Demuro.
The final field for the Qatar Arabian World Cup will be announced on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
QUOTES FROM THE TRAINERS OF THE TWO CHAMPIONS
François Rohaut: “Al Ghadeer is in a league of his own!”
Trainer based in Pau (64)
“Al Ghadeer is a true champion. He’s by far the best Arabian purebred I’ve ever trained! He’s coming into his bid for a treble in the Qatar Arabian World Cup in great shape. He won the Qatar International Stakes at Goodwood on July 30 for the third year in a row. That day, he didn’t win by his usual margin, but my other runner, Ch’Ezza, delivered the performance of his life—while Al Ghadeer wasn’t yet at peak fitness. Since then, the horse has come on significantly.
It will take the best version of Al Ghadeer to beat HM Alchahine, who was very impressive in the Qatar Cup – Prix Dragon. The two horses met once before, last February in Doha, in H.H. The Amir Sword. Al Ghadeer came out on top, but the conditions were quite different.
With this showdown between two champions—and several other strong contenders—the 2025 edition of the Qatar Arabian World Cup promises to be spectacular! I urge everyone to come to ParisLongchamp on Sunday, October 5, as this will be the last chance to see Al Ghadeer race in France. He will then head to Doha in February to attempt a third win in H.H. The Amir Sword, before beginning his stallion career.
What makes Al Ghadeer exceptional? He can perform at the highest level over distances from 1,600 to 2,400 metres, on fast or heavy ground, both in France and abroad. Beyond his natural talent, he has remarkable mental strength and iron-clad soundness, which have kept him competitive for four years. People really need to understand what a true champion he is!”
Élisabeth Bernard: “With HM Alchahine, I’m allowed to dream!”
Trainer based in La Teste (33)
“I’ll have three runners in the Qatar Arabian World Cup—HM Alchahine, of course, but also RB Kingmaker, and Joe Star, who will act as pace-setter for the two others who need a strong tempo.
For the past month, everyone’s been talking about what should, in theory, be a great showdown. I think this is the first time that Al Ghadeer will meet a genuine rival who can challenge him—HM Alchahine. Last year, RB Kingmaker made a strong move 200 metres from the post. But Al Ghadeer kicked again and held him off!
This year, I have the right to dream! I wake up every morning with that dream. The three horses I’m preparing for the Qatar Arabian World Cup are currently based in Chantilly. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how quickly they’ve adapted to their new surroundings. I was worried the move might be disruptive, but the horses have acclimated at lightning speed. And I get the sense they’ve stepped up their condition even further.”
Please find all press releases and royalty-free photos
in the media section of the France Galop website: CLICK HERE
QREC, the official partner of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The QREC was established in the early 1960s before achieving official recognition in 1975. It is mandated with representing, promoting and advancing equine and equestrian initiatives, from grassroots programmes to the international arena. Focused on equestrian sport and horse welfare, the QREC is dedicated to promoting Qatar as a world class hub for horse racing and a leader in the Pure Arabian breed.
The QREC works in collaboration with local bodies dedicated to achieving excellence in planning, regulation and the development of Qatar’s racing industry to reflect the world's best practices. The QREC has been partner of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe since 2008, and from 2022, it also became the title partner of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, one of the most important races for the selection of the breed.